1. Fact: The almost 10,000 kilometres of
coastline consist of spectacular jagged, rock walls that rise dozens of metres
out of the North Atlantic. One early visitor to Newfoundland called it, “a
monstrous mass of rock and gravel, almost without soil, like a strange thing
from the bottom of the great deep, lifted up, suddenly, into sunshine and
storm...” “The Rock” is a truly fitting name for Newfoundland.

2. Fact: More than 1,200 years ago,
Vikings from Norway set out on a series of daring voyages that would eventually
result in settlements in the Shetland Islands, Faroe Islands, Iceland,
Greenland, and finally Newfoundland and Labrador.

L'Anse
aux Meadows is the only authenticated Norse site in North America. It was first
brought to worldwide attention in 1960 by Helge and Anne Ingstad, a Norwegian
couple who had searched for years to solve the puzzle of the sagas.

3. Fiction: There is no physical evidence
that proves St. Brendan arrived in North America. But many believe he did arrive
in Newfoundland, especially after a person reads the Voyage of St. Brendan. We’re still waiting for someone to find
solid proof.

4. Fact: It is a real book. A Latin
chronicle, the Voyage of Brendan,
recorded Brendan as the hero of a Christian adventure that included voyages to
unknown lands far to the west of Ireland. The account indicates that Irish
voyagers visited North America as early as the 6th century.

5. Fiction: There is no cross there, but I
think a stone High Cross would be a great addition, don't you?

6.
Fact: Icebergs are visible from
Newfoundland, and they are impressive. They are a common sight along the coast
of Newfoundland from March until July. They originate from the glaciers of West
Greenland where 30,000-40,000 break off annually. Carried north around Baffin
Bay they do not appear in Newfoundland waters until their second year at sea.

7. Fiction: There is no “Hopper
Trail”—this was a creation for the story to help Martin and the others
conveniently reach West Brook Pond via a cross-country hike. That said, the
“Long Range Traverse” which is mentioned, is a real trail. It is a four or
five-day backcountry trek for approximately 35 kilometers. But you need to be
able to read a topographical map and to use a compass to guide you as there are
no helpful signposts.

8.
Fact: The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin,
containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. It is believed to have been
created c.800 AD. The illustrations and ornamentation are extravagant and
complex and are the greatest example of any Insular Gospel book in existence.
You should look it up. The pictures are amazing.

9. Fact: This is a real prayer attributed
to St. Brendan. I first heard it quoted by an Orthodox priest-monk in a talk he
gave about Irish monks and journeys to North America.

10. Fiction: There is an Orthodox mission in
St. John’s, Newfoundland, but it is the only one on the whole island of
Newfoundland where there are over half a million people.

11. Fact: Around A.D. 1000, Erikson sailed to
Norway where King Olaf I converted him to Christianity. He even got in trouble
in Greenland for bringing a priest there with him.

12. Fact: It’s beautiful—trust me, I’ve been
there. This spectacular fjord has dozens of thundering waterfalls cascading off
its 2,000-foot high rock walls. Tour boats cruise the pristine lake from June
to mid-October. You should consider a visit!

13. Fact: This is actually true! Convinced
that the Voyage of St. Brendan was
based on a historical journey, in 1976 Tim Severin built a replica of St.
Brendan’s currach (boat). Between May
1976 and June 1977, Severin and his crew sailed 7,200 kilometers from Ireland
to Newfoundland.

14. Fiction: This was made up for the story.
But it would have been pretty cool if the manuscript poem was real.

15. Fact: Strange, but true.
The Vinland sagas are clear that all Viking expeditions returned to Greenland
after less than a decade. The L’Anse aux Meadows site was likewise abandoned. The
only things left were broken and discarded items and the remains of the
buildings.